Yellowstone Loop: Riverton to Cody East Entrance (June 20–24)

Riverton, WY → Cody, WY (East Entrance) → Yellowstone National Park loop: Cody to Sylvan Pass → Canyon Village → Lake Village → West Thumb → Old Faithful area → return via Cody to Riverton. Drive segments planned with scenic stops and short hikes.

• Day 1 — June 20: Riverton → Cody → Enter East Entrance, Sylvan Pass

  8:00AM: Depart Riverton, WY

  Drive from Riverton to Cody via WY-789 and US-26 (approx. 1.75–2.25 hours, tolls none). Scenic drive through Wind River country; stop for quick photo ops. (Drive cost: fuel ~$25; time: 2.25 hours)

  11:30AM: Cody — East Entrance of Yellowstone

  Enter Yellowstone at the East Entrance near Sylvan Pass. Stop at the East Entrance Visitor Center for maps and current conditions. Short overlook at Sylvan Pass for mountain views. (Park entrance: $35 per vehicle, valid 7 days; time: 1.5 hours)

  2:00PM: Abundant Geyser & Shoshone Lake viewpoints

  Drive the East Fork roads to see hydrothermal activity and scenic lake overlooks near Shoshone Lake access points—great late-afternoon light for photos. (Cost: included in park fee; time: 2 hours)

  5:00PM: Check-in / Camp or lodging near Cody

  Return to Cody-area lodging or campground for overnight. Rest and prepare for full park days. (Lodging estimate: $120–200/night or campground $20–40; time: overnight)

• Day 2 — June 21: Canyon Village & Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

  8:00AM: Depart Cody → Canyon Village

  Drive to Canyon Village along US-14/16/20; enter park and proceed to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Scenic pullouts en route. (Fuel: ~$15; time: 1.5–2 hours)

  10:00AM: Artist Point & Upper/Lower Falls

  Visit Artist Point for iconic views of the Lower Falls, then stroll to Upper Falls overlooks. Excellent vantage points for waterfalls and canyon geology. (Free with park pass; time: 2 hours)

  1:00PM: Trail hike—Brink of the Lower Falls or Uncle Tom's Trail

  Short steep trail options to experience waterfall viewpoints up close; wear sturdy shoes. (Time: 1–1.5 hours; no extra cost)

  3:30PM: Hayden Valley wildlife viewing

  Afternoon wildlife watching in Hayden Valley—look for bison, elk, and possibly wolves from safe distances at pullouts. (Time: 1.5–2 hours; included)

  6:00PM: Overnight near Canyon Village or back toward Cody side

  Evening rest; prepare for morning departure to Lake area. (Lodging estimate: $120–220/night or campground $20–40)

• Day 3 — June 22: Yellowstone Lake & West Thumb

  8:00AM: Depart Canyon Village → Yellowstone Lake

  Drive south to Yellowstone Lake; stop at pullouts for expansive lake vistas and picnic areas. (Fuel: ~$10; time: 1–1.5 hours)

  9:30AM: West Thumb Geyser Basin

  Walk the boardwalks of West Thumb to view lakeside hot springs, colorful pools, and hydrothermal features along the shore. (Time: 1–1.5 hours; included)

  12:00PM: Lake shore walks and fishing viewpoints

  Explore lake shore trails, watch for waterfowl and cutthroat trout habitat; peaceful afternoon scenery. (Time: 2 hours; included)

  3:30PM: Grant Village or Fisherman’s Bridge area

  Visit Grant Village overlooks or Fisherman’s Bridge historic viewpoint for river scenery and trout viewing. (Time: 1.5 hours)

  6:00PM: Overnight near Lake Village/Grant Village

  Lodging or campsite near the lake; evening stargazing if conditions permit. (Lodging estimate: $130–220/night or campsite $20–40)

• Day 4 — June 23: Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin

  7:30AM: Depart Lake area → Old Faithful area

  Drive west toward the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful; scenic route with thermal features en route. (Fuel: ~$15; time: 1–1.5 hours)

  9:00AM: Old Faithful predicted eruption

  Watch Old Faithful erupt from the boardwalk viewing area; explore the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and nearby geyser basins. (Time: 1–1.5 hours; included)

  11:00AM: Upper Geyser Basin loop—Castle, Grand, Riverside

  Walk the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk to see numerous named geysers and thermal features; photography and interpretive signs. (Time: 2–3 hours)

  3:00PM: Explore nearby trails (Observation Point or short hikes)

  Optional short hikes for panoramic views of geyser basins and valleys. (Time: 1.5–2 hours)

  6:00PM: Overnight near Old Faithful area or West Yellowstone exit side

  Stay in nearby lodging or campground; plan for early departure next day. (Lodging estimate: $140–250/night or campsite $20–40)

• Day 5 — June 24: Return via East Entrance to Cody → Riverton

  7:30AM: Depart Old Faithful → East Entrance via Canyon/Sylvan Pass

  Drive back toward the East Entrance, stopping at scenic overlooks missed earlier; enjoy morning light on valley landscapes. (Fuel: ~$20; time: 3–4 hours with stops)

  12:00PM: Exit at Cody — quick scenic stops

  Stretch in Cody, explore outdoor murals or nearby historic points before final drive to Riverton. (Time: 1 hour; no restaurant stops included)

  2:00PM: Drive Cody → Riverton, WY

  Return to Riverton completing the loop. Arrival mid-afternoon to early evening depending on stops. (Fuel: ~$25; total time: 2–2.5 hours)

Cost summary estimates (per vehicle, approximate): Park entrance $35 (7 days), fuel total ~$110–130, lodging per night $120–250 or campsite $20–40. Bring bear-safe food storage; pack water and supplies.

Check hotel and flight prices

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Seek lesser-known spots: the quiet Sylvan Lake area for sunrise, Trout Lake overlooks, the rustic drive along the East Entrance scenic pullouts, and smaller geysers in the Upper Basin away from crowds. Locals recommend early mornings in Hayden Valley and dusk at Lake shoreline for wildlife and soft light.